📍 France

VOLCANIC ROUTES: CRATER LAKES MEETS ALPINE PASSES

Crater lakes nestled beneath volcanoes, alpine passes cutting through granite, rivers churning through gorges, silver olive groves. The Massif Central in all its power.

≈ 8
Days
693
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Northern Alps and Rhône Valley. Wander Yvoire on Lake Geneva. Cross Grenoble. Discover Lyon and its confluences. Tour Vercors and Ardèche gorges. End at Nyons between olive trees and light.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Yvoire

lake charm fortified beautifully

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Chamonix: stroll in the historic center at the foot of Mont-Blanc.
2
Chamonix Alpine Museum: collections on mountaineering and first ascents.
3
Yvoire: medieval town on the shores of Lake Geneva, discovery of the fortified alleys.
4
Garden of the Five Senses in Yvoire: sensory trail organized by themes.
🎯

Activities

→
Aiguille du Midi cable car: panoramic ascent over the Mont-Blanc massif.
→
Panoramic transfer Chamonix → Yvoire along Lake Geneva (viewpoint stops).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 98 km
Travel time: 1h20
2
Day

Aix Les Bains

wellness mineral waters embrace

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Annecy: old town, canals and Pont des Amours.
2
Annecy: Palais de l'Isle (exterior and museography).
3
Aix-les-Bains: Faure Museum (Impressionists, Rodin).
4
Aix-les-Bains: Belle Époque stroll between casino, thermal baths and Lake Bourget esplanade.
🎯

Activities

→
Annecy: Pâquier promenade and partial lake tour (pedestrian/bike).
→
Annecy: mini-cruise on the lake (depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 1h10
3
Day

Grenoble

mountain fortress city heart

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4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Chambéry: Château of the Dukes of Savoy (courtyards and exteriors).
2
Chambéry: Museum of Fine Arts (Italian and Savoyard collections).
3
Grenoble: old center and banks of the Isère.
4
Grenoble: Grenoble Museum (ancient to contemporary art).
🎯

Activities

→
Grenoble: cable car bubbles up to Fort de la Bastille and panorama over the mountain ranges.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 112 km
Travel time: 1h30
4
Day

Lyon

confluence rivers meet history

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Lyon: Old Lyon (UNESCO), Saint-Jean Cathedral and Renaissance districts.
2
Lyon: Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica and belvedere.
3
Lyon: Presqu'île, Place Bellecour and the Rhône/Saône quays.
🎯

Activities

→
Lyon: self-guided tour through the traboules (historic passages).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 138 km
Travel time: 2h
5
Day

Villard De Lans

plateau mist veils silence

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4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Vercors: Bourne gorges, belvederes and geological points of interest.
2
Passerelle du Drac (Himalayan bridge): crossing and viewpoints over the Drac.
🎯

Activities

→
Vercors scenic route (cliffs, tunnels and combes).
→
Short hike around Villard-de-Lans (alpine pastures and limestone pavements).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 183 km
Travel time: 2h45
6
Day

Vallon Pont D Arc

canyon stone opens earth

Vallon Pont D Arc - Photo 1Vallon Pont D Arc - Photo 2Vallon Pont D Arc - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Pont d'Arc: viewpoint of the natural arch and gorge belvederes.
2
Chauvet Cave 2 (replica): cave art collection and scientific mediation.
🎯

Activities

→
Gentle descent of the Ardèche gorges by kayak (short section, weather permitting).
→
Scenic viewpoints route of the gorges: successive stops for panoramas.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 72 km
Travel time: 1h20
7
Day

Nyons

olive groves glow golden

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8 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Nyons: old bridge (Roman bridge) and banks of the Eygues.
2
Nyons: Tour Randonne and panorama over the Drôme provençale.
3
Historic center of Nyons: small squares, arcades and mills (exterior).
🎯

Activities

→
Olive-growing walk around Nyons: path between olive groves and dry stone walls.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.